3.02.2007

The Philadelphia Phillies renewed NL MVP Ryan Howard's contract Friday, giving the first baseman a $900,000 salary after the two sides had failed to agree on a long-term deal.

The left-handed slugger, who earned a meager $355,000 last year, hit .313 with 58 homers and 149 RBIs last season.

Howard said he was frustrated and a little disappointed that a long-term deal couldn't be reached, but he's ready to start the season. The highest previous one-year contract for a player as Howard, not eligible for arbitration, had been awarded to Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood, who made $690,000 in 2002.